Temperature controlled input device for computer

ABSTRACT

A temperature controlled computer input device includes a housing having at least one manual mechanism for generating data signals, a thermoelectric assembly, and a source of energy. The thermoelectric assembly includes two heat sinks and a Peltier effect device for creating warming and cooling configurations. The Peltier effect device includes two insulated materials spaced apart in a parallel configuration and semiconductors sandwiched between the insulated materials. The semiconductors are electrically connected in series by electrical conductors and electrically connected to the energy source. Ventilation holes and a fan are optional. Electricity flows in series through the semiconductors and electrical conductors, inducing a temperature differential between the two heat sinks. This heats the first and cools the second heat sink. Reversing the current direction cools the first and heats the second heat sink. The user selects the direction and amount of current flow to selectively warm or cool his hands.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to computer input devices and, moreparticularly, to a temperature controlled input device for computers.

Modem office environments are often somewhat inhospitable places. Heavyreliance on computer technology has resulted in unprecedented levels ofproductivity, but this is often achieved at the expense of comfort.Temperature, in particular, is often a problem. Powerful computers needa cool environment to run effectively, and offices are often maintainedat cooler temperatures than are comfortable to their human occupants.This is especially felt in the hands, where circulation is often poorand the skin is exposed. By providing a favorable microclimate,especially near the hands of the computer user, the overall cooleroffice temperatures could be maintained for the computers while an extralevel of comfort is provided for the office workers.

In other office environments that are not properly cooled, temperaturescan be higher than are comfortable to their human occupants. In suchsituations, a cooled computer input device would help comfort the officeworkers.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,193,523 proposes using vented air from the interior of acomputer to heat a selected area of the workstation. This requiresconduit to couple the computer to the selected workstation area andrelies on the computer to produce enough excess heat to provide awarming effect for the user Both U.S. Pat. No. 5,686,005 and U.S. Pat.No. 6,115,540 proposes heating areas near computer input devices to warmthe user's hands. U.S. Pat. No. 5,686,005 discloses a heated pad placedunder the computer input device and near the user's hands. The heatedpad is warmed by conventional resistance-type heating elements. U.S.Pat. No. 6,115,540 places a radiative hand warming apparatus near akeyboard to warm the user's hands by radiant energy during typing. Thisapparatus uses infrared radiation sources and traditional resistiveelectric heating elements.

Other devices are known that include heat sources inside computer inputdevices, such as in U.S. Pat. No. 5,828,034, U.S. Pat. No. 6,646,226,and U.S. 2002/0093485. These devices all provide variations of usingresistive electric heating elements to create heat and warm the user'shands. While resistive electric heating elements are simple and widelyknown, they are energy intensive and cannot be used for cooling.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,135,876 discloses an air-cooled mouse for a personalcomputer that blows air through holes in the mouse casing to cool auser's hand. This relies entirely on the blown air to cool the hand,however, and does not provide a method to heat the mouse.

Therefore, it is desirable to have a temperature controlled computerinput device that can selectively warm or cool the user's hands, is safeand effective, and is efficient enough that the amount of power neededto operate the temperature control mechanism is relatively small.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A temperature controlled input device for a computer according to thepresent invention includes a housing having at least one manuallymanipulative mechanism for generating data signals for transmission tothe computer, a thermoelectric assembly connected to the housing, and asource of energy electrically connected to the thermoelectric assembly.The thermoelectric assembly includes a pair of heat sinks and a Peltiereffect device capable of creating warming and cooling configurations.The Peltier device includes a pair of insulated materials spaced apartin a parallel configuration and a plurality of semiconductors sandwichedbetween the pair of insulated materials. The semiconductors areelectrically connected in series by electrical conductors, and theconductor members are electrically connected to the energy source.Ventilation holes and a fan are optional.

In use, the temperature controlled input device generates and transmitsdata signals to the computer in a conventional manner. Electricity flowsin series through the semiconductors and the electrical conductors,inducing a temperature differential between the first and second heatsinks which extend outside the housing. This heats the first heat sinkand cools the second heat sink. By simply reversing the currentdirection, the first heat sink is cooled and the second heat sink isheated. The user selects the direction and amount of current flowthrough a switch, a thermostat, remotely through the computer, or by alike method. If ventilation holes and a fan are used, the fan circulatesair and aids in heating and cooling the input device. The end result isa controlled microclimate that can selectively warm or cool the user'shands in a safe and effective manner.

Therefore, a general object of this invention is to provide atemperature controlled input device for a computer that can selectivelywarm or cool the user's hands.

Another object of this invention is to provide a temperature controlledinput device for a computer, as aforesaid, that is safe and effective.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a temperaturecontrolled input device for a computer, as aforesaid, that is efficientenough that the amount of power needed to operate the temperaturecontrol mechanism is relatively small.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent fromthe following description taken in connection with the accompanyingdrawings, wherein is set forth by way of illustration and example,embodiments of this invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a temperature controlled inputdevice for a computer according to a now preferred embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the temperature controlled input devicefor a computer as in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a temperature controlled input device fora computer according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 a is a top view of a temperature controlled input device for acomputer according to still another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 b is a sectional view taken from FIG. 4 a;

FIG. 4 c is a front perspective view of the temperature controlled inputdevice for a computer as in FIG. 4 a; and

FIG. 5 is an isolated sectional view of a thermoelectric assembly andtwo heat sinks of the temperature controlled input device for a computertaken from FIG. 4 a.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

A temperature controlled input device for a computer according to oneembodiment of the present invention will now be described in detail withreference to FIGS. 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings. Moreparticularly, a temperature controlled input device 100 according to anow preferred embodiment includes a housing 110 having at least onemanually manipulative mechanism 115 for generating data signals fortransmission to the computer, a thermoelectric assembly 120 connected tothe housing 110, and a source of energy electrically connected to thethermoelectric assembly 120.

The housing 110 has opposed first (top) and second (bottom) exteriorsurfaces 111, 112. The housing 110 is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 as a verysimple mouse design, but any number of the newer body styles could beemployed.

The thermoelectric assembly 120 includes a first heat transfer plate 121attached to the first exterior surface 111, a Peltier effect device 130positioned in an interior space in the housing 110, and a second heattransfer plate 122 connected to the second exterior surface 112. Thefirst and second heat transfer plates 121, 122 may also be referred toas the first and second heat sinks 121, 122.

Thermoelectrics and the Peltier effect device 130 are based on thePeltier Effect, discovered in 1834, by which current applied across twodissimilar materials causes a temperature differential. The Peltiereffect device 130 can be seen in FIG. 5 and includes a pair of insulatedmaterials 131 (typically ceramic wafers) spaced apart in a parallelconfiguration and a plurality of semiconductors 132 sandwiched betweenthe pair of insulated materials 131. The semiconductors 132 are arrangedto alternate positive and negative semiconductors and are electricallyconnected in series by electrical conductors 133. The conductor members132, 133 are electrically connected to the energy source. Thesemiconductors 132 induce a temperature differential between the firstand second heat sinks 121, 122 when energized, thus heating the firstheat sink 121 and cooling the second heat sink 122. By simply reversingthe current direction, the first heat sink 121 is cooled and the secondheat sink 122 is heated.

To transfer the heat from or to the user's hand, the user will need tobe in contact with the first heat sink 121. This is most easilyaccomplished by placing the first heat sink 121 in thermal contact withboth the user and the Peltier effect device 130. The first heat sink 121is preferably a metallic plate. While the edges and curves in the firstheat sink 121 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 are not strictly necessary, they dospread out the heating or cooling power of the Peltier effect device 130to the user's whole hand without trying to change the temperature of theentire first exterior surface 111. The first heat sink 121 can bearranged in a variety of visually pleasing configurations, includingcartoon figures, team mascots, text, advertisements, etc.

While the first heat sink 121 keeps the area that contacts the user at acomfortable temperature, the second heat sink 122 must be provided withan outlet for its effects. In the heating mode (also called the warmingconfiguration), the second heat sink 122 will be at a low temperatureand must pick up heat from the surroundings to fuiction. If the secondheat sink 122 were enclosed inside the housing 110, very high and lowtemperatures would result. In cooling mode (also called the coolingconfiguration) the circuitry inside the housing 110 would be exposed tohigh temperatures, possibly leading to electronics failures. Placing thesecond heat sink 122 outside of the housing 110 solves these problems.Since nearly the entire top surface 111 of the housing 110 can be incontact with the user's hand, only the bottom 112 and sides of thehousing 110 are available. As much of the sides of the housing 110 aspossible should be devoted to the second heat sink 122, as that is theportion open to air, but the bottom 112 of the housing 110 may also beused by the second heat sink 122.

There are multiple ways to change from heating mode to cooling mode. Aswitch 116 mounted conveniently on the housing 110 could be used tocontrol and reverse the direction of current going through the Peltiereffect device 130 (FIG. 4 c). A thermostat (not shown) could sense theambient room temperature and act accordingly. This would automaticallycreate a comfortable atmosphere without the user interfering. Where thethermostat was set to begin each stage might be preset or could vary.Instead of placing a physical switch 116 on the housing 110, thedirection of current or the thermostat setting could be changed remotelyfrom the computer. The driver for the temperature controlled inputdevice 100 could include a routine that reverses the current directionwhen prompted to do so. For remotely controlling the temperature of theinput device 100, circuitry would be included in the housing 110.

While certain computer configurations are able to supply almost 100 mWof electrical power through common computer ports, other setups candeliver less than fifty. Even with the generous assumption of a 100 mWpower source, many computer input devices can use nearly all of thispower. To provide any appreciable heating or cooling power, the signallines of the computer port are not sufficient. Another power source isneeded, and this can be most easily accomplished by running an auxiliarypower line 118 along with the ordinary signal wire 119. This separatesthe delicate information channels from any spikes and heavy electricalloads. While using the auxiliary power line 118 to connect to aconventional AC power outlet is currently preferred, it is possible tosupply more electrical power through common computer ports than iscurrently done, and batteries may be suitable.

In use, the temperature controlled input device 100 is connected to acomputer by the ordinary signal wire 119 and connected to a conventionalAC power source by the auxiliary power line 118. Data signals aregenerated and transmitted to the computer in a conventional manner.Electricity flows in series through the semiconductors 132 and theelectrical conductors 133, inducing a temperature differential betweenthe first and second heat sinks 121, 122, thus heating the first heatsink 121 and cooling the second heat sink 122. By simply reversing thecurrent direction, the first heat sink 121 is cooled and the second heatsink 122 is heated. The user selects the direction and amount of currentflow in a manner discussed above or by a like method. The end result isa controlled microclimate that can selectively warm or cool the user'shands in a safe and effective manner.

A temperature controlled computer input device 200 according to anotherembodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 3 and includes aconstruction substantially similar to the construction previouslydescribed except as specifically noted below. Structures havingidentical fimction to those described previously are shown in FIG. 3 asprimed numerals. More particularly, the temperature controlled computerinput device 200 according to this embodiment includes a housing 110′shown as a very simple keyboard design, but any number of the newer bodystyles could be employed. The keyboard has a very large area in which togenerate and dissipate heat and would seem to be ideal for the presentinvention. In fact, the present invention is not limited to specifictypes of computer input devices, as many types of input devices besidesthose mentioned would be suitable, such as trackballs.

A temperature controlled computer input device 300 according to stillanother embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 4 athrough 5 and includes a construction substantially similar to theconstruction previously described except as specifically noted below.Structures substantially similar to those first described above areshown as double primed numerals. More particularly, the temperaturecontrolled computer input device 300 according to this embodimentincludes ventilation holes 313 and fan 314 in the housing 110″. The fan314 blows air over the heat sinks 121″, 122″ to circulate air andtransmit heat through convection. The circulating air can also assist incooling, as sweat will evaporate from the hand and be carried away bythe moving air. An additional switch 316 is shown on the housing 110″ tocontrol the fan 314, but this too can be controlled by a thermostat orremotely by computer. Though the housing 110″ is shown as a mouse, theventilation holes 313 and the fan 314 may be used in other housings110″, such as keyboards or trackballs, for example. FIG. 5 depicts thePeltier effect device 130 as discussed above. It is important toremember that the heat sinks 121″, 122″ shown in FIG. 5 must extendoutside the housing 110″ as shown and as explained above.

It is understood that while certain forms of this invention have beenillustrated and described, it is not limited thereto except insofar assuch limitations are included in the following claims and allowablefimctional equivalents thereof.

1. A temperature controlled input device for use with a computer formaintaining a computer user's hand and fingers at a comfortabletemperature, comprising: a housing having at least one manuallymanipulative mechanism for generating data signals for transmission tothe computer, said housing having opposed first and second exteriorsurfaces; a thermoelectric assembly connected to said housing forwarming one of said first and second exterior surfaces and for coolinganother of said first and second exterior surfaces; and a source ofenergy electrically connected to said thermoelectric assembly forenergizing said thermoelectric assembly.
 2. The input device as in claim1 further comprising means for switching said thermoelectric assemblybetween a warming configuration in which said first exterior surface iswarmed and said second exterior surface is cooled and a coolingconfiguration in which said first exterior surface is cooled and saidsecond exterior surface is warmed.
 3. The input device as in claim 2wherein said means for switching said thermoelectric assembly betweensaid warming configuration and said cooling configuration includes aswitch for selectively reversing the direction of electrical currentflowing through said thermoelectric assembly.
 4. The input device as inclaim 1 wherein said thermoelectric assembly includes: a first heattransfer plate attached to said first exterior surface; a Peltier effectdevice positioned in an interior space of said housing; and a secondheat transfer plate connected to said second exterior surface.
 5. Theinput device as in claim 4 wherein said first heat transfer plateincludes a metallic construction and having a configuration partiallycovering said first exterior surface.
 6. The input device as in claim 5wherein said first heat transfer plate is further configured in avisually pleasing configuration.
 7. The input device as in claim 1wherein said thermoelectric assembly includes: a first heat sinkattached to said first exterior surface; a Peltier effect devicepositioned in an interior space of said housing; and a second heat sinkconnected to said second exterior surface.
 8. The input device as inclaim 7 wherein said Peltier effect device includes: a pair of insulatedmaterials spaced apart in a parallel configuration; a plurality ofsemiconductors sandwiched between said pair of insulated materials andelectrically connected in series; and a plurality of conductor membersarranged along said pair of insulated materials and including means forelectrically connecting said semiconductors, said conductor membersbeing connectable to said source of electrical energy for energizingsaid conductor members such that said semiconductors induce atemperature differential between said first and second heat sinks whenenergized by said conductors.
 9. The input device as in claim 1 furthercomprising a thermostat for maintaining said first exterior surface at aconstant temperature.
 10. The input device as in claim 1 furthercomprising circuitry for remotely controlling the temperature of saidfirst exterior surface.
 11. The input device as in claim 1 wherein saidhousing defines a plurality of ventilation holes.
 12. The input deviceas in claim 11 further including at least one fan positioned in saidhousing for circulating air.
 13. The input device as in claim 1 whereinsaid housing is a mouse.
 14. The input device as in claim 1 wherein saidhousing is a keyboard.
 15. A temperature controlled input device for usewith a computer for maintaining a computer user's hand and fingers at acomfortable temperature, comprising: a housing having at least onemanually manipulative mechanism for generating data signals fortransmission to the computer, said housing having opposed first andsecond exterior surfaces; a thermoelectric assembly connected to saidhousing, said thermoelectric assembly including a first heat sinkattached to said first exterior surface, a Peltier effect devicepositioned in an interior space of said housing, and a second heat sinkconnected to said second exterior surface; a source of energyelectrically connected to said thermoelectric assembly for delivering acurrent to said thermoelectric assembly, whereby to energize saidthermoelectric assembly; and means for switching said thermoelectricassembly between a warming configuration in which said first exteriorsurface is warmed and said second exterior surface is cooled and acooling configuration in which said first exterior surface is cooled andsaid second exterior surface is warmed.
 16. The input device as in claim15 wherein said Peltier effect device includes: a pair of insulatedmaterials spaced apart in a parallel configuration; a plurality ofsemiconductors sandwiched between said pair of insulated materials andelectrically connected in series; and a plurality of conductor membersarranged along said pair of insulated materials and including means forelectrically connecting said semiconductors, said conductor membersbeing connectable to said source of electrical energy for energizingsaid conductor members such that said semiconductors induce atemperature differential between said first and second heat sinks whenenergized by said conductors.
 17. The input device as in claim 15wherein said means for switching said thermoelectric assembly betweensaid warming configuration and said cooling configuration includes aswitch for selectively reversing the direction of said current beingdelivered to said thermoelectric assembly.
 18. The input device as inclaim 17 wherein said housing defines a plurality of ventilation holes.19. The input device as in claim 17 further comprising a thermostat formaintaining said first heat sink at a constant temperature.
 20. Theinput device as in claim 17 further comprising circuitry for remotelycontrolling the temperature of said first heat sink.